iTunes sells 25 billion songs; prize won for Monkey Drums download

A customer checks out Apple's iTunes in a file photo. iTunes hit its 25 billionth download - equal to selling more than three songs for every person on Earth - and on Wednesday gave the German student who bought the track a gift card worth 10,000 euro (S$17,000). -- PHOTO: REUTERS

(REUTERS) - Apple's iTunes music store hit its 25 billionth download - equal to selling more than three songs for every person on Earth - and on Wednesday gave the German student who bought the track a gift card worth 10,000 euro (S$17,000).

Economics student Phillip Luepke, 22, of Hanover, Germany, downloaded the techno song Monkey Drums (Goksel Vancin Remix) by British DJ Chase Buch, hitting the number a decade after the online music store debuted.

"I was very surprised to hear the news," Mr Luepke told Reuters by phone from his home in Germany.

"I woke up this morning and had an email from Apple saying I had the 25 billionth download," he said. "In fact, I didn't quite believe it at first. It's a new feeling for me."